Here’s How to Know What to Toss or Keep When Editing Your Closet

By Brian Maynor

 

Cleaning out our closets is time consuming, hard work and emotional, no doubt about it, and regret seems to be the most common feeling we have when we start looking at our closets, but it shouldn’t be.

Whether it’s the price we paid for something, or the fact that our favorite piece is well past it’s expiration date, instead of wallowing in the regret we should really focus on acceptance. We can’t return an expensive item we’ve never worn after having it for years or mend every garment to look like new, so once we let go of the guilt and just take it for what it is some of the emotional attachment will abate.

Here are a few rules to keep in mind that will make the process easier, as well as cut down on the inner debate over what to keep and what to toss:

1.    The splurge purchase. First, know you’re not alone in this situation. Everyone has made a splurge purchase at some point in time because it makes us feel empowered in the moment, just to have the item hang in the closet rarely worn, but constantly present. Every time you look at it the feeling of empowerment turns to guilt and yes regret and the downward spiral begins.

2.    The gifts. These are probably the trickiest items to deal with because personal relationships are involved, but how far does the sense of obligation go when it comes to holding on to something you’ll never wear simply because it was a gift? Unfortunately this is completely a personal choice, and it may vary depending on the relationship with the person who gave you the item and whether or not you have to live with them.

3.    The ill fitting or uncomfortable items. These are those pieces you love and had to have, even though they didn’t quite fit you the right way. With these items you have options. Before simply tossing them you should take them to a tailor or seamstress and see if they can be altered to fit you properly. With a lot of garments, there are ways to tweak them that are effective and inexpensive. If that’s not the case, then you should let the item go. Not only will you never wear it, looking at it every time you open your closet will be a downer.

4.    The unexpected purchase. Everyone likes the idea of shaking up their style and sometimes that means buying an item that is outside your comfort zone. These can actually be hidden gems and future staples of your new style. If the luster wears off when you hang it in your closet and start to question how to wear it, invite your favorite trendy and stylish friends over and let them help you create ways to wear it. Sometimes it takes an outside eye to show you the potential of a piece.

5.    Options to cut the cord. When it comes to removing unwanted or unused items that are still perfectly good, or expensive or a gift, simply donating them to a charity shop sometimes isn’t the answer. Fortunately it’s not your only option. You can also donate items to a friend who would love and wear it; consign it with a local store, or online resale site, or sell it yourself on sites like eBay. This will help you toss the feeling of guilt and give you a return on the investment.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

The other day we talked about cranking up the music to help make the process a little more enjoyable, but inviting a friend over can also help. We all know there is a very big difference between separating items into piles and actually getting them out of the house. A friend can be there to bounce ideas off of and help make tough decisions. Then they can actually leave with the discarded items to ensure they don’t hang around or even end up back in your closet.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visithttp://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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